At the just finished WWDC 2018 Apple introduced a new AR Kit 2 including a new file format for AR content. So far, every developer has created their own AR content within a software kit such as the AR Kit from Apple (or the kits from Google, Microsoft, etc.). Now Apple has introduced an open file format that allows sharing AR content through apps. Basically they are trying to create something like “the JPG file format for AR”. The file format is called USDZ (Universal Scene Description) and was developed in conjunction with Pixar.
Apple WWDC 2018: New ‘USDZ’ file format for AR content
The idea is brilliant, if it is one file format that allows to share AR content across platforms. This should help developers to get AR content out in a much more efficient way. Since the file format is open to everyone it should be easily adopted without any licensing agreements, unless there is a consortium that will hold the rights to the format. So far Apple, has not mentioned any associated fees.
From a technical standpoint there is very little known about this file format. From several descriptions of participants it appears to be a container format that combines all necessary file for the AR scene in an uncompressed and unencrypted zip file. In addition iOS 12 will come with a WYSIWYG editor to allow previewing of how the scene plays out.
As a major supporter for the file format, Adobe will include USDZ file support in its Creative Cloud suites. Autodesk and Sketchfab are also on board.
Apple WWDC 2018: USDZ files playing AR content via file sharing
The resulting file will contain all necessary information and objects to create the AR content on a device. The file can be send via apps to users that can just view the AR like an image on the device of their choice. NH
